Situated on a verdant hillside in Northeast Washington, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land contains replicas of Holy Land shrines, as well as Roman catacombs. Built in 1899 as a place to visit the shrines without actually traveling there, the Monastery reminds visitors of the Franciscans' work and the importance of Holy Land shrines.

Forty acres of gardens surround the church to provide an oasis of serenity for pilgrims and others seeking a respite for meditation, as well as place of natural beauty. The gardens are renowned for the formal rose beds, and there are also shrines and chapels interspersed among the flowers, ornamental plants, and trees.

Tours of the church and catacombs are conducted daily. Visitors of all faiths are welcome.

The adjacent Gift Shop offers numerous religious articles - a wide choice of statues, rosaries, medals and religious jewelry, greeting cards and books on St. Francis and the Franciscans.

Rental Information

Meeting and conference rooms are available for use on site. In addition, the St. Francis Hall, located directly across the street, is a reception locale which can accommodate 250 people. E-mail_stfrancishall@gmail.com or call 202-425-6548 for more information. For photos on-line, visit www.myfranciscan.org.